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L161— H41 

1 

I 


I- 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME 


A  PAGEANT  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE  AND  CHILDREN. 


NETTIE  H.  PELHAM, 

Author  of  ''''The  Christmas  Ship  J' 


CHICAGO: 
T.  S.  DENISON,  Publisher, 
163  Randolph  Street. 


CHARACTERS. 


Father  Time.    A  young  man  or  lady  with  deep  voice. 

The  Twelve  Months.  Girls,  from  ten  to  sixteen  years  of 
age,  arranged  according  to  size;  the  smallest  repre- 
senting January,  next  in  height,  February,  etc. 

Valentine.    A  very  small  girl. 

Fairy  Queen.    As  small  a  child  as  can  fill  the  part. 

Subjects.    Three  or  more,  little  girls. 

Goddess  of  Liberty.    Girl  sixteen  years  of  age. 

Truth  and  Justice.    Girls  fifteen  years  of  age. 

Soldiers.    Six  or  more,  little  boys. 

Reapers.    Three  or  more,  boy  singers. 

Santa  Glaus.    Boy  of  twelve  years. 


Time  of  performance,  30  minutes. 
Adapted  for  use  in  any  schoolroom. 

Stage  Directions. — R  means  right  as  the  actor  faces 
the  audience;  Z,  left;  C,  center,  etc. 


COPYRIGHT,    1890,  BY  T.  S.  DENISON. 


COSTUMES, 


Father  Time.  Long  black  robe  with  wide  flowing  sleeves; 
gray  wig  and  beard. 

January.  Dress  of  white  canton  flannel,  sprinkled  with  dia- 
mond dust  or  spangled  to  represent  frost;  white  canton 
flannel  hat  with  imitation  icicles  suspended  from  it. 

February.  Black  dress  and  mantle,  tufted  with  white  cotton 
batting;  round  black  cap,  with  band  of  white  cotton 
around  it. 

March.  Black  dress,  trimmed  with  a  band  of  white  cotton 
around  bottom  of  skirt,  tufts  of  white  above;  mantle 
and  cap  of  white  canton  flannel. 

A.PRIL.  White  dress,  trimmed  with  sprays  of  green  lea*ves  or 
fine  vines;  wreath  of  green  leaves  on  head. 

May.  White  dress,  trimmed  with  sprays  of  bright  flowers; 
wreath  of  flowers  on  head,  basket  of  flowers  in  hand. 

June.  Pale  green  or  white  dress,  trimmed  with  sprays  of 
roses;  wreath  of  roses  on  head;  wand  in  hand. 

July.    White  dress,  with  red  sash;  flag  in  hand. 

August.    White  dress,  with  pale  blue  sash. 

September.  White  dress,  trimmed  with  wheat;  broad  hat 
trimmed  with  wreath  of  wheat;  wand  in  hand. 

October.  White  dress,  trimmed  with  sprays  of  bright 
autumn  leaves;  wreath  of  leaves  on  head. 

November.  White  dress;  long  black  mantle  tufted  with 
white;  black  cap  tufted  with  white. 


COST\JN[ES.— Continued, 


December.  Long  black  wrap,  trimmed  around  neck  and 
sleeves,  down  front  and  around  the  bottom  with  deep 
band  of  white  cotton  batting,  wrap  tufted  with  white; 
white  hat  with  long  white  plumes. 

Fairy  Queen.  Pink  dress  and  wings  spangled,  crown  on 
head,  wand  in  hand. 

Subjects.  White,  or  bright  colored  dresses,  spangled,  wings 
to  match,  wands. 

Goddess  of  Liberty.  Long  white  dress,  trimmed  with  gilt 
stars;  crown  on  head. 

Truth.    White  dress. 

Justice.    White  dress;  bandage  over  eyes;  scales  in  hand. 

Soldiers.  White  stripes  on  pants;  pointed  hats.  One  carries 
drum,  one  a  flag,  the  rest  carry  toy  guns. 

Reapers.  White  pants,  red  or  blue  blouse  waists,  broad  white 
hats.    Each  carries  sheaf  of  wheat  and  sickle, 

Santa  Claus.  Fur  overcoat  and  cap;  string  of  sleigh  bells; 
gray  wig  and  beard. 

Valentine.  White  dress,  trimmed  with  pink.  Large  valen- 
tine hung  with  a  ribbon  at  her  side. 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


(Af  left  of  stage ^  small  platform  four  feet  square  and  six 
inches  high;  on  front  of  this  platform^  a  stand  shaped  like  an 
hour  glass;  above  stand ^  or  at  one  side^  a  large  scythe.  Platform 
and  stand  covered  with  black  cambric.  Curtain  rises  disclosing 
Father  Time  leaning  on  stand  and  holding  in  hand  small  hour- 
glass^ 

Father  Time.    Revolving  ages  come  and  go 

And  all  their  solemn  tales  rehearse; 
I  hear  the  great  clock  striking  slow, 

The  great  clock  of  the  universe. 
Revolvmg  ages  come  and  go 

And  still  I  hear  the  great  clock  chime, 
As  months  and  years  their  gifts  bestow, 

Their  offerings  bring  to  Father  Time. 
The  bright-winged  hours  gaily  pass 

And  still  I  keep  my  weary  stand 
And  mark  their  progress  in  the  glass 

I  hold  in  my  enfeebled  hand. 

Bell  strikes  one. 

But  hark  !  the  clock  is  striking  one 

And  flying  footsteps  I  can  hear, 
A  merry  child  comes  on  the  run 

To  usher  in  another  year. 

{^From  right  of  stage  Enter  January  running.) 

Jan.       a  Happy  New  Year,  Father  Time, 
I'm  out  of  breath,  I  hurried  so; 


THE   REALM  OF  TIME. 

I  heard  the  old  clock  faintly  chime 

And  pushed  along  through  drifted  snow. 

A  Happy  New  Year,  Father  dear! 

I'll  blot  out  all  earth's  sorrow 
And  paint  in  colors  bright  and  clear, 

Fair  pictures  of  the  morrow. 

A  gladsome  new  year  it  shall  be, 

So  bid  farewell  to  sadness; 
I'll  fill  each  childish  heart  with  glee, 

Each  aged  heart  with  gladness. 

Song.    (Air:  ''Those  Evening  Bells.") 

I,  Ring  out,  sweet  bells,  O  gaily  ring 

And  far  and  wide,  your  glad  notes  fling 
Till,  echoing  back  o'er  fields  and  fells 

We  hear  your  tones,  sweet  New  Year's  bells. 

Chorus.     Ring  out,  sweet  bells,  ring  out,  sweet  bells. 
Till  echoing  back  o'er  fields  and  fells 
We  hear  your  tones,  sweet  New  Year's  bells. 

Ring  out  the  old  year  bowed  with  care. 
Ring  in  the  new  year  bright  and  fair; 
Of  joys  the  future  has  in  store. 

Sweet  New  Year's  bells,  ring  out  once  more. 

Ring  out,  sweet  bells,  ring  out  sweet  bells, 
Of  joys  the  future  has  in  store, 
Sweet  New  Year's  bells,  ring  out  once  more. 

Bright  promises,  alas  !  but  vain 

As  sea  foams  airy  bubbles. 
A  million  hearts  shall  know  their  pain, 

A  million  hearts,  their  troubles. 
As  mist  before  the  rising  sun 

Shall  fairest  dreams  have  vanished; 


Cho. 


Time. 


THE   REALM   OF  TIME. 


7 


And  ere  the  year  its  course  has  run, 

The  brightest  hopes  be  banished. 
For  oft,  as  each  year  passed  before, 

Bright  promise  was  repeated, 
Yet  hearts  have  ached  forevermore. 

As  each  its  course  completed. 
A  miUion  idols  cherished  most, 

Each  short-lived  year  has  shattered 
And  hopes  the  brightest,  O  a  host, 

Each  fleeting  year  has  scattered. 

{Exit  January,  left. 

Bell  strikes  two^  Enter  February,  right, 

Feb.  I  heard  the  clock  its  sweet  chime  ring 

And  hastened  Father  Time,  to  bring 
The  offering  I  have  for  thee. 
Look,  at  its  coming,  Father,  see  ! 

Enter  Valentine,  right, 

(February  takes  Valentine  by  the  hand  and  leads  her  to 
Father  Time.) 

No  gift  could  be  so  fair  as  mine 
For  I  bring  you  dear  Valentine, 
The  gayest  sprite  of  all  the  year, 
Speak  up  and  tell  your  mission,  dear. 

Valentine.    Over  the  sea  and  over  the  land, 
Speeding,  speeding  so  swift  away, 
Ever  ready  at  my  command, 

Flutter  the  missives  bright  and  gay, 
Whispering  words  of  love  and  truth 
Soft  in  the  ear  of  maid  and  youth. 

Speeding  swift  as  a  carrier  dove 

That  flutters  forth  from  the  outstretched 
hand, 


8 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


I  send  my  missives  of  tender  love, 
Over  the  sea  and  over  the  land; 
This,  dear  Father,  I  call  my  part 
To  speak  the  love  of  a  tender  heart. 

Time.         Pleasant,  indeed,  must  be  your  task. 
No  better  mission  could  you  ask. 
The  old  world  groans  'neath  its  load  of  care. 
And  many  burdens  it  has  to  bear. 
So  send  forth  your  missives  bright  and  gay 
And  lighten  earth's  sadness  while  you  may. 
{^Exit  Valentine,  followed  by  February,  left^ 

[Bell  strikes  three,  Enter  March  right.) 

Mar.      March  comes  to  you,  as  she  ever  will. 

When  day  seems  dark  and  the  air  is  chill 
And  snowflakes  cover  the  vale  and  hill. 

Rough  and  wild  are  the  storms  I  bring 
And  to  wintry  garments  still  I  cling, 
Tho'  I  am  first  of  the  gladsome  spring. 

The  world  is,  at  best,  a  dreary  place; 
The  sun  scarce  shows  us  his  smiling  face, 
But  hides  like  a  being  in  disgrace. 

Plunging  and  driving,  night  and  day, 

Careering  madly  along  the  way. 

The  storm  clouds  sail  o*er  the  sky  of  gray. 

Hark  how  my  wild  winds  howl  and  roar, 
Pushing  and  driving  all  before. 
Seeking  to  enter  each  close-barred  door. 

But  I've  no  time  for  a  useless  show. 
Hurrying,  scurrying,  I  must  go 
Over  the  mounds  of  drifted  snow. 

\Exit  March,  left. 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


9 


Bell  strikes  four,  Enter  April,  right, 

April.    Under  the  spotless  quilt  of  snow 

That  God  has  wrapped  o'er  the  earth  below, 

The  dear  little  plants  that  lie  asleep, 
All  safe  from  the  chill  of  winter  keep. 

But  soon  as  the  sun,  with  dazzling  rays, 
Has  scattered  the  snow  from  woodland  ways, 

The  dear  little  blossoms,  one  and  all, 
Awake  to  life  at  my  magic  call, 

And  up  through  the  earth  that  hides  them  deep. 
Up,  up  to  the  light  of  heaven  creep! 

The  trees  are  donning  their  coats  of  green. 
Tiny  leaves  on  the  boughs  are  seen. 

Again  we  catch  the  note  of  the  bird; 
Again  is  the  sound  of  the  brooklet  heard, 

As  it  gladly  bursts  from  its  bondage  long. 
And  ripples  forth  with  a  joyful  song. 

The  earth,  that  I  found  so  drear  and  cold, 

Is  aglow  with  a  beauty  all  untold.  ^ 

The  world,  that  I  leave,  is  glad  and  gay 
And  ready  to  welcome  my  sister  May. 

\Exit  April,  left 
Bell  strikes  five,  Enter  May,  right. 
May.  Fragrance  of  blossoms,  the  soft  breeze  is  bringing; 

Lightly  the  green  grass  springs  'neath  my  tread; 
Gay  little  songsters,  their  sweet  notes  outfiinging. 

Sport  midst  the  branches  that  wave  o'er  my  head- 
Over  me,  ever,  the  blue  skies  are  bending; 

Earth  is  now  robed  in  her  mantle  of  green; 
Glittering  rays,  the  bright  sun  is  sending, 
Making  more  lovely  this  beautiful  scene. 


lO 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


Time.  The  fair  earth  is  smiHng,  yet  over  it  all, 
The  shadow  of  sorrow  forever  must  fall. 
The  sun,  that  is  shining  so  brightly  o'erhead, 
Is  casting  its  glances  o'er  somebody's  dead. 
The  bright  stars  of  even  sad  vigils  must  keep 
O'er  graves  where  some  loved  ones  forever  must  sleep 

Tableau,  "  Decoration." 

{Curtain  at  back  of  stage  rises ^  disclosing  a  soldier  s  grave  with 
two  flags  crossed  on  headstone.  Two  young  ladies  strewing  flow- 
ers over  grave.  White  light  thrown  on  tableau.  Slow  curtain 
while  May  sings.) 

Air:  ("In  the  Moonlight.'*) 

They  come  with  their  blossoms,  the  fairest,  the  rarest, 

And  pay  their  tribute  to-day. 
To  heroes  now  sleeping  'neath  masses  of  grasses 

And  fragrant  blossoms  of  May. 
'Tis  here  they  are  sleeping  midst  shadows  so  deep, 

Silent  they  sleep,  silent  they  sleep. 
The  bright  stars  of  heaven  forever  shall  keep 

A  watch  o'er  each  soldier's  grave; 
But  oh!  heedless  of  life's  cares,  its  sadness,  its  gladness, 

They  slumber,  slumber  for  aye, 
Unconscious  that  loved  ones,  the  nearest,  the  dearest, 

Are  paying  them  tribute  to-day. 

[Exit  May,  left 

Bell  strikes  six^  Enter  June,  right. 

June.         Tripping,  tripping  light  along, 

Keeping  time  to  wood  birds'  song 

Comes  the  month  of  roses 
Dancing  thro'  the  vale  and  field 
As  my  magic  wand  I  wield. 
Every  flower  uncloses. 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


At  my  call  come  fairies  gay, 

Enter  Fairies,  right. 

Thro*  the  summer  months  to  stay 
And  frolic  in  the  wooded  glen. 
Far  away  from  haunts  of  men; 
Keeping  time,  with  flying  feet. 
To  the  music,  clear  and  sweet. 
Played  by  orchestra  of  crickets 
In  the  densely  wooded  thickets. 

As  my  magic  wand  I  wave, 
Artists,  poets  madly  rave 

O'er  what  earth  discloses; 
Nature  bends  a  suppliant  knee 
And  freely  grants  her  gifts  to  me, 

The  lovely  Queen  of  Roses. 

Fairy  Queen.    We  are  merry  elves,  we  are  fairy  sprites. 
We  will  gaily  dance,  thro'  the  moonlit  nights; 
We  will  sing  our  song  in  the  w^oodland  ways 
While  the  night  bird  echoes  our  merry  lays, 
Till  the  woods  resound  to  the  happy  song 
This  is  nightly  sung  by  the  fairy  throng. 

\Exit  June,  le^ 

Bell  strikes  seven^  Enter  July,  right, 

July.      I  come  to  your  land,  O  Father  Time, 

To  dwell  in  your  lovely  kingdom  here; 
To  sport  awhile  in  your  golden  clime 
And  view  the  treasures  you  hold  so  dear. 

The  Stars  and  Stripes  that  I  proudly  bear, 
Shall  show  that  I  bring  a  gift  most  fair, 

For  this  is  the  gift  1  offer  thee. 

The  day  that  has  made  a  nation  free. 


12 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


'Tis  then,  there  proudly  comes  to  my  side 
That  lovely  goddess  whom  we  adore, 

To  whom  the  bravest,  with  loyal  pride. 
Shall  offer  homage  forevermore 

{Drum  sounds^  Enter,  from  right,  Liberty  followed  by 
Truth  and  Justice,  and  as  they  take  their  places^  little  soldiers 
Enter  from  right,  march  aroimd  stage  and  off  at  left.  Lib- 
erty steps  forward?) 

Liberty.    I  am  Liberty,  daughter  of  Right. 

I  lead  my  heroes  into  the  fight-, 

I  snatch  from  the  monarch's  head  the  crown, 

And  I  hurl  the  kingly  scepter  down. 

Tyrants,  who  revel  in  death  and  shame 

Feebly  tremble  before  my  name, 

For  sternest  justice  I  ever  mete, 

I  will  trample  them  all  beneath  my  feet. 

I  am  Liberty,  at  my  call 

Nations  shall  rise  and  nations  fall; 

To-day  shall  a  people  in  bondage  be. 

To-morrow,  my  mandate  makes  them  free. 

Spite  of  oppression,  sin  and  crime, 

I  have  risen  to  heights  sublime. 

To-day,  I  stand  on  my  lofty  height. 

Daughter  of  God,  and  daughter  of  Right 

I  am  Liberty!   in  my  name 

The  torch  shall  be  lit,  and  cities  flame; 

And  numberless  crimes  shall  yet  be  done. 

But  spite  of  all  shall  my  cause  be  won. 

Victory  is  mine,  for  hand  in  hand. 

With  Truth  and  Justice  I  ever  stand. 

(Steps  back  and  clasps  hands  with  Truth  and  Justice.) 

Conflict  and  war  at  last  shall  cease. 

The  world  shall  welcome  the  day  of  peace. 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


Truth.      I  will  go  with  light  uplifted; 

Follow  you  o'er  all  earth's  ways; 
And  my  pathway  shall  be  lighted 
By  the  bright  and  glowing  rays. 

He  who  follows  in  my  footsteps, 
Shares,  with  me,  the  brilliant  light; 

Sees  what  pitfalls  lie  before  him, 

Shuns  the  wrong  and  seeks  the  right. 

Woe  to  him  that  scorns  my  guidance, 

Ever  hidden  from  his  eyes, 
Many  a  snare  and  many  a  pitfall 

In  his  darksome  pathway  lies. 

T  will  help  you  in  your  labors: 

Justice  ever  follows  me. 
And  with  you,  my  noble  sister. 

We  will  make  God's  people  free. 

Justice.     Then  destruction  to  the  tyrant! 

Right's  fair  daughters  win  the  day. 
Liberty,  with  Truth  and  Justice, 
Over  earth  shall  hold  a  sway. 

Truth  and  Justice  sing. 

Air:  ('^  John  Brown.") 

I.    Yes,  your  cause  at  last  shall  triumph,  it  is  just  and  it  is 
right, 

Your  soldiers  now  stand  waiting,  they  are  eager  for  the  fight; 
The  Lord  of  Hosts  shall  help  them,  they  are  trusting  in  His 
might; 

Your  cause  shall  win  the  day. 

Chorus.    Glory,  glory  hallelujah!  Glory,  glory,  hallelujah! 

Glory,  glory  hallelujah!  your  cause  shall  win  the 
day. 


14 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


2.    Then  lift  your  hand,  my  sister,  and  the  bells  of  freedom 
ring; 

The  flag  of  Truth  and  Justice  to  the  balmy  breezes  fling; 
And  bid  your  waiting  soldiers  then  the  mighty  chorus  sing; 
Your  cause  shall  win  the  day. 

Cho.       Glory,  glory,  hallelujah!  Glory,  glory,  hallelujah! 

Glory,  glory,  hallelujah!  your  cause  shall  win  the 
day. 

\_Exeunt  Liberty,  Truth,  Justice  and  July,  left 

Time.      Thus  do  they  come,  thus  do  they  go 

Across  the  scenic  stage  of  time, 
As  in  the  distance  soft  and  low. 

The  old  clock  sounds  its  mellow  chime. 
Each  comes,  with  smiling  happy  face, 

And  offers  of  her  golden  store, 

hen,  to  another,  yields  her  place 

As  every  month  has  done  before. 

Bell  strikes  eight,  Enter  August,  right. 

Aug,      I  come  when  the  land  is  fairest 
And  robed  in  a  royal  guise; 
A  mist  that  is  soft  and  filmy. 
O'er  valley  and  upland  lies; 

The  song  birds  carol  their  sweetest 

All  thro'  the  dreamy  hours; 
The  bee,  with  a  drowsy  humming. 

Sports  'mid  the  fragrant  flowers. 

A  sound  is  heard  in  the  forest, 

A  rustling  amid  the  trees  . 
Whose  leaves  are  swayed  by  the  motion 

Of  the  gently  playful  breeze. 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


15 


The  summer  is  slowly  waning, 

Yet  still,  like  a  golden  ball, 
The  sun  from  the  azure  heavens, 

Lets  glittering  sunshine  fall. 

Glittering,  gleaming  sunshine, 

Golden  without  alloy. 
The  world  is  aglow  with  beauty, 

The  heart  is  aglow  with  joy. 

This  is  the  promise  I  bring  you, 

That,  soon  as  summer  is  o'er. 
Autumn  shall  come  with  a  harvest 

Of  rich  and  bounteous  store. 

{^Exit  August,  left. 

Fairy  Queen.  Come  away,  come  away,  let  us  haste  to  go 
For  the  flowers  fade  and  the  chill  winds  blow. 
And  soon  shall  the  green  leaves  flutter  down 
And  leave  the  forest  bare  and  brown. 

(Curtain^  at  baek  of  stage ^  rises ^  and  August  is  seen  beckoning 
in  a  commanding  way^  to  Fairies  to  follow  her.  Fairies  look 
back,  frightened.    White  light  on  August.) 

Good-bye,  good-bye,  O  shady  dell. 
We  are  forced  to  go.    Farewell,  farewell! 
For  the  flowers  fade  and  the  chill  winds  blow 
Summer  has  gone,  and  we  must  go. 

[Fairies  rim  off  stage ^  left 

Bell  strikes  nine,  Enter  September,  right.  . 

Sept.      Summer  has  vanished,  flitted  away, 

Gone  with  her  months  so  merry  and  gay, 
And  I  have  come,  with  my  soberer  face, 
To  finish  her  work,  to  take  her  place. 
I  bring  with  me  breezes,  fresh  and  sweet, 


6 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


To  cool  the  earth  from  the  parching  heat; 
Thro'  the  orchards  I  lightly  tread, 
The  peach  and  apple  I  tint  with  red; 
The  clustered  grapes  on  the  clinging  vine, 
I  clothe  in  a  purple  raiment  fine; 
I  touch,  with  the  magic  wand  I  hold, 
The  waving  grain,  and  it  turns  to  gold. 
And  when,  like  my  sisters,  1  have  fled, 
A  rich  and  bounteous  feast  lies  spread. 

From  right  Enter  Reapers,  singing. 

Air:  (^^Bringing  in  the  Sheaves.") 

We  are  little  reapers,  ready  for  the  labor, 

Waiting  for  the  harvest  which  September  leaves; 

We  are  only  waiting,  eager  for  her  mandate; 
We  will  follow  after,  bringing  in  the  sheaves. 

Chorus.    Bringing  in  the  sheaves,  bringing  in  the  sheaves, 
We  will  follow  after,  bringing  in  the  sheaves. 

2.     Golden  grain  is  standing,  ready  for  the  reapers, 

Where,  with  busy  fingers,  magic  spell  she  weaves; 
And,  where'er  she  journeys,  we  will  haste  to  follow, 
We  will  follow  after,  bringing  in  the  sheaves. 

Cho.    Bringing  in  the  sheaves,  etc. 

[Repeat  chorus  while  following  September  off  stage,  i^ft) 
Bell  strikes  ten,  Enter  October,  7'ight. 

Oct.    I  am  an  artist  of  widely  known  name, 

The  world  sounds  my  praises  and  trumpets  my  fame. 

For  gaily  I  wander,  wherever  I  will. 

Thro'  valley  and  forest,  o'er  mountain  and  hill, 

And  no  other  artist  is  found  to  combine 

The  colors  so  rare  with  a  touch  so  divine. 

Behold  yonder  bush,  I  have  tinted  the  berries 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


Till  they  glow  like  the  ripest,  reddest  of  cherries. 
And  there  is  a  tree,  that  lately  was  green. 
Changed  now  to  a  beautiful  bright  colored  sheen 
Where  russet  and  amber,  and  scarlet  and  gold 
Are  mingled  together  in  beauty  untold. 
Wherever  I  wander,  my  path  you  can  trace 
By  visions  of  brightness  I  leave  in  each  place, 
For  I  am  an  artist  of  widely  known  name, 
The  world  sounds  my  praises  and  trumpets  my  fame. 

Time.  I  love  your  face  so  fair  and  bright, 
Yet  it  must  vanish  from  my  sight. 
For  hurrying  footsteps  I  can  hear; 
Another  month  will  soon  appear 
And  you  must  go.    Farewell,  farewell! 
Your  journey's  end  no  tongue  may  tell. 
The  mystic  land  of  shadows  lies 
Forever  hid  from  wondering  eyes. 

\^Exit  October,  left 

Bell  strikes  nine^  Enter  November,  left, 

Nov.    The  glowing  colors  fade  away. 

The  earth  has  lost  its  verdure  rare; 
The  trees,  like  specters  gaunt  and  gray, 

Wave  leafless  branches  thro'  the  air. 
Anon,  the  snowflakes  flutter  down 

As  tho'  to  hide  the  fields  so  drear, 
.  As  tho'  to  hide  earth's  russet  gown 
With  snowy  garment  white  and  clear. 

And  yet  I  bring  a  gift  with  me. 

Despite  earth's  gloominess  and  cold, 

A  dearer,  better  gift  for  thee 

Than  all  the  other  months  shall  hold. 

I  bring  to  thee,  that  day  of  days 
When  all  shall  offer  incense  sweet; 


i8 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


When  every  heart  should  give  its  praise 
To  Him  who  guides  the  faltering  feet. 

Thanksgiving  day,  a  gift  most  dear, 

Our  hearts  are  stirred  with  tender  love  . 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  year 

We  offer  thanks  to  God  above. 
Long  let  the  rapturous  chorus  ring, 

Upon  the  breezes  loudly  swell, 
Sweet  praise  let  all  earth's  children  sing 

To  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well. 

(7/  desired  some  pretty  Thanksgiving  solo,  imth  chorus,  behind 
the  scenes,  can  be  added  after  November's  speech.  Exit  Novem- 
ber, left?) 

Bell  strikes  twelve,  Enter  December,  right 

Dec.   My  smiling  sisters,  all  have  passed 

And  I  complete  the  gladsome  year. 
They  gave  their  gifts  and  I  am  last. 
Yet  I  bring  mine  without  a  fear. 

For  I  can  bring  the  happiest  time. 

The  blessed,  holy  Christmas  day, 
\Vhen  church  bells  sound  their  mellow  chime 

And  all  the  world  is  glad  and  gay. 

The  good  St.  Nick  comes  at  my  call, 
That  friend  whom  children  love  so  well. 

What  wondrous  things  shall  then  befall 
The  dear  old  man  himself  can  tell. 

Sleighbells  heard.  Enter  Santa  Claus,  right 

Santa  C.  Hark,  to  my  bells,  how  loud  they  ring 
And  see  what  a  weighty  pack  I  bring; 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


19 


^  'Tis  filled  to  the  brim  with  nicest  toys 

And  I  give  them  all  to  the  girls  and  boys. 
The  snowflakes  fall  and  the  cold  winds  blow 
But  what  care  I  for  the  wind  or  snow  ? 
I'm  clothed  in  a  coat  of  fur  so  warm, 
I  care  not  a  whit  for  cold  or  storm. 
On,  on  I  go  with  my  jingling  bells 
Wherever  I  learn  that  a  wee  child  dwells, 
But  I  drop  my  bells  when  I  reach  the  house, 
And  mount  to  the  roof  as  sly  as  a  mouse; 
Down,  down  the  chimney  I  lightly  fall, 
I  reach  the  stockings  that  hang  by  the  wall 
And  fill  them  up  with  the  lovely  toys, 
I  carry  round  for  the  girls  and  boys. 

Tableau:  "Christmas  Eve." 

{Curtain  at  back  of  stage  rises ^  disclosing  little  child  hanging 
up  a  stocking.    Santa  Claus  turns  and  points  toward  child' 
White  light  on  tableau.    Slow  curtain.    Exit  Santa  Claus 
followed  by  December,  left.) 

Time.  Tis  gone!  'tis  gone,  the  fleeting  year, 

Gone  with  its  months  so  glad  and  gay. 
I  fain  would  keep  my  children  here, 
Their  flying  course  I  fain  would  stay. 

On,  on  they  go,  so  fast,  so  fast. 

And  leave  me  standing  as  before. 
Into  the  dim  and  shadowy  past, 

They  hasten  onward  evermore. 

As  in  a  vision  or  a  dream, 
^  Again,  again  they  come  to  me. 

Soft  golden  lights  around  them  gleam, 
My  children's  faces  still  I  see. 


20 


THE  REALM  OF  TIME. 


Tableau:  "Father  Time's  Vision.'*  J 
{Curtain  at  back  of  stage  slowly  rises,  showing  all  the  past 
year.     To  be  effective  must  be  shozvn  through  gauze  curtain. 
Father  Time  turns  slightly  toward  back.    Red  light  over  all. 
Slow  curtain.) 

position  for  tableau. 

October,    November,    December,    Santa  Claus. 
July,         August,       September,  Reapers, 
Justice,  Liberty,  Truth, 

Soldiers,       April,        May,  June,  Fairies 

January,    February,  March, 
Valentine. 

Curtain 


